Southwest Florida’s universal access to the water is one of the area’s greatest treasures, so when designers create clever ways to maximize those stellar views, it’s a home run. When Becky and John Duffey commissioned an alfresco space for their Fort Myers Beach property (the largest home on the beach), they had clear directives: keep the gathering spaces close together and amp up the view.
Alair Homes Sanibel and Michelle Stahl of Freestyle Interiors delivered a flipped floorplan, with the living space and infinity pool on the upper level for elevated vistas. But, the raised layout also required a protective perimeter be installed outside for safety. To avoid obstructing the panorama, the team got smart with an impact-resistant glass railing. The infinity rail has no posts, so it disappears into the scene. The lanai connects to the more-than-8,400-square-foot home’s interior via lift-and-slide doors, meaning there’s no step to get outside. When the doors are open, the rooms appear as one giant space.
To capitalize on the perch, they installed the fascia-mounted rail, which mimics the property’s angle; the metal matches the windows and wall colors for a smooth look. While the lanai has multiple sitting areas, a stone fireplace, an outdoor kitchen and a dining room, sweeping views of Estero Bay remain the star thanks to the barely-there railing, which allows the home and bay to seamlessly stand as one.